7 Smart Ways to Keep It All Together
By Sandy Schroeder
Wherever you are, 30, 40, 50 or beyond, it's smart to have a plan to support health and wellness with steps that fit your life. The more fine tuning you do, the better. Here are some tips to pull it all together. See if they fit or modify them to work for you.
Discover the power of a positive grateful attitude - My grandmother had seven children and a lot of challenges, but I never saw her without a smile. I was one of several grandchildren who loved to visit her house. She always listened and she always cared. She understood how much a positive attitude can do to ease stress and create contentment.
Make sleep a priority - Create a sleep retreat that helps you wind down and sleep soundly every night. Use blackout drapes to control light and air filters to screen out noise. Make sure your pillow and mattress are comfortable, and shut down electronics two hours before bedtime. Develop a simple sleep ritual with a warm bath, soft music or a book and simple snack.
Tame the sun and soak up its benefits - SPF, sun protection factor, of 35 works to protect the skin. Reverse any existing damage with retinoic acid. Reap the health benefits of sunlight and the pleasure of being outside every day.
Connect with friends and take daily walks - Never be too busy to stay in touch with friends, or to spend a little time walking. Make time to move every day and to share your thoughts, hopes, schemes and dreams with friends and family.
Fight inflammation with a thoughtful diet - Lower the risk for obesity, diabetes, cancer, stroke and heart attack with less sugar, fat and sodium. Eat less red and processed meats. Enjoy more fish. Drink water, sugar-free teas, cocoa and coffee instead of sugared juices and sodas. Eat whole fruits and vegetables and avoid chips, pastries, cookies and fast food.
Get a grip on drinking and avoid smoking and recreational drugs - Lower your risk for heart disease, stroke and cancer and enjoy living longer.
Start where you are and move more - If you are running, walking or working out every day, keep it up. If you exercise once a week, make time for more, adding time throughout your schedule until you are getting at least 30 minutes of activity every day. Choose activities that you actually enjoy and choose spots in your schedule that really fit.
Start with these steps and see what works. Then add more to make the most of everything you are doing.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Zionsville, Ind.